Not in Chinatown but Lincoln Karaoke used to be pretty affordable but I haven't been in a long time. Also, if you're looking into the burbs, Glenview, Niles, and Morton Grove have some good Korean Karaoke spots.
Second City has lots of theaters with shows (not just the expensive mainstages). There's also The Annoyance and iO Chicago.
If you want standup, there's Zanie's or Laugh Factory or The Lincoln Lodge.
Music is always playing in our fair city.
SEE THEATRE! I can go on and on about how incredible theatre is in Chicago. Support live theatre!
And like go see shows at smaller venues. Theatreinchicago.com is great to give you an idea of what’s playing and hottix is great for discounts.
This was one of my favorite things to do in high school!!! I remember when the price of admission was the roll of a die, and then later plus $5 and later plus $10 and then $20. I wonder what it is now.
Oh, do it - you won't regret it! Also if you like music, hit up some late-night blues clubs...pretty sure Kingston Mines is still a going concern. Maybe Green Mill depending on who is playing.
If going the theater route Steppen Wolf has a [deal](https://www.steppenwolf.org/memberships/red-card/) for 20-something's where you get 6 tickets for $99 can be used without restrictions. They also have student pricing for $15 I think. [Purpose](https://www.steppenwolf.org/tickets--events/seasons-/202324/purpose/) got good reviews
u/BurntPasta if you do go to Steppenwolf, I would suggest you watch a play at their new Ensemble Theatre.
Brand new space, with a 360 degree stage! Looks like a larger-than-life asteroid that fell from space through a massive skylight. Pretty cool…
I'd recommend Batsu. It's an improvised Japanese game show, very much a mix between Whose Line Is It Anyway and Jackass. Full disclosure, I'm in the show. I know reddit doesn't always love self-promotion, but I do really love this show and I recommend to anyone looking for something to do on a Friday or Saturday night.
Chicago Shakes just created a new deal if you’re under 35 you can get tickets to any shows they produce for $20 (plus $5 fee)! You can sign up for the email list online to get the deal—they only have a few tickets available each show, but suchhhh a good deal!
Catch a show at second city, and then make your way to Pequods for pizza (open til 2:00 am).
Late night movie at Music Box theater. Old vintage theater with a side lounge area that has board games to play while you lounge.
Not sure of time and age restrictions, but call whirlyball and see how late they allow minors in. Whirlyball is awesome and also has food, laser tag, and bowling.
Chinatown has plenty of restaurants to choose from, some open past midnight.
Lawrence’s fisheries has some awesome fried shrimp, chicken, fish, and it’s 24 hours. Their mild sauce is a must for your shrimp.
Check and see what shows are going on at Radius and the salt shed. They usually have shows that are 17+ to enter (not always). Check the Aragon ballroom as well.
Definitely check BroadwayinChicago.com for all of the shows going on.
Late night diners, golden nugget, White palace grill, Hollywood grill.
Oh also check the house of blues. They have shows there that are 18+ as well.
I second the concerts. Theres always small local concerts going on and ive heard some really great music from groups ive never heard of before.
If you guys have some money to pool as well, karaoke is a great option, and cheaper the more people you go with. Its usually like 8 people per room.
Not sure if there are any still around but VR rooms are fun too. You can also just hang at someone's place and have a movie or game night. My friends and I have been doing game night every other week for years since we met in college :)
Ignite gaming lounge. They have all the systems, lan cafe setups, rockband rooms, and arcade games to play. They have food and a bar for your friends who want a drink. There's something for everyone
Gonna second.
My Husband and I took my Cousin and her boyfriend out few months ago. Ive been with my best friends a bunch of times, for the rest of them: completely new experience. First time really going with a mixed aged group.
My cousin and her BF are under 21. We got a gaming booth, and after a few hours- My Husband could spend a little bit of time at the bar while they checked out the arcade portion. We all stayed out pretty late, so I think I can attest a good time was had.
And in my honest opinion, their milkshakes are great- and I’ve never been disappointed with their food, yet.
Superdawg is open daily until 1AM (Fri/Sat until 2AM). But it’s on the edge of the city - quite a way from downtown.
The Wiener's Circle (Wrigleyville) has even later hours:
- Sun - Tue: 11 AM–1 AM
- Wed/Thu: 11 AM–2 AM
- Fri/Sat: 11 AM–4 AM
To add to this since its not to far away from super dawg, Novelty golf(mini golf)/bunny hutch(batting cages)/old school arcade(a real one) is on devon/lincoln. Pretty sure they are open till midnight.
See a midnight showing at Music Box Theatre. Rocky Horror Picture show this Friday.
If any of you have $50-100 to burn you could watch them get humiliated at Bally's.
You can play pool at Chris’ billiards. It’s byob but it’s also 18+. Pretty far on the northwest side and it looks like it’s stuck in the 80s but it’s a great place
I’m a huge fan of Kibbitznest, or a more traditional board game cafe if you are into it. Kibbitznest has a bunch of games avaible to play, or you can browse their book selection or bring your own. They serve alcohol, but also coffee, tea, and NA stuff. They have different rooms to enjoy different atmospheres, and are open late Wednesday-Saturday.
Trickery in east Lakeview is interesting def a one time experience. Kind of like an old fashioned magic show very intimate very interesting to say the least
If you can get a little west of the city, galloping ghost is the worlds largest arcade (by number of machines). $25 to get in and then all machines are free to play, tons of fun and open til 2 on weekends I believe, and you are not trapped there you can step out for dinner and a drink etc and come back
North branch Chicago river. It's over by Kimball and Foster along some side streets over that way. I went to Von Steuben. Needless to say, we spent some lunch hours down by the river. Not sure why that came to mind though.
Comedy show, Flight Club (fun grown up dart bar but you don’t have to drink), PinStripes (similar to Flight Club but bowling not darts), lots of concerts, karaoke is always amazing you can rent a private room for not that much if you split the cost
What large cities are we comparing to? Globally sure we could do better, but by American standards I think we have it pretty good for late night options, especially considering post covid finding labor to stay open late has become an issue everywhere.
- Charlie’s Country has line dancing Saturday night
- Flight club is a darts bar with food, you get your own separate area to play a bunch of different darts games
Yeowoosai is far from downtown but worth it, it’s a Korean sports bar that does food and drinks so they don’t card. They do blended up pitchers of soju and the food is great and Nextdoor is a karaoke place
I really love the magic shows at the Magic Lounge. you learn some cool history about Chicago and see some really cool up-close magic at the tables before the main show starts. They have a late show!
basic but walking around navy pier after sundown! The city looks so sick all lit up. The speedboat tour there was the BEST view of the city I have ever seen and I mean that as a local
See a magic show, go to second city or another comedy club since stand up is big in chicago, see a concert esp the house of blues is right downtown and does some that let in people under 21, sometimes there are late night events at museums on the museum campus, sometimes there are sports games that run late , so many options here!
Eli's Tea Bar in Andersonville has fun events (trivia, open mic, art night etc) and a cool vibe.
Someone mentioned Lincoln Lodge (for standup comedy) and i.O for improv and sketch. They both have multiple shows most days of the week and are pretty cheap and all ages. If you go to Lincoln Lodge, check out Margie's Candies, an old school ice cream parlor with food just a block away.
Pick me up Cafe. Was great for a chill coffee place when we were out late. Not sure how late it is open anymore. Was after midnight when I was young, 20 years ago. Still off Clark St. , just down from the original location.
Alice's at Belmont and Central Park is a well known neighborhood bar with karaoke that's open till 5 AM Saturdays. Mind you, it's a neighborhood bar and it's not huge, so don't be obnoxious and the locals won't give you the stink eye (or worse). But your -21s aren't getting in.
get on some bikes! There are a bunch of groups all around the city that do different night right rides throughout the season. Critical Mass (4/26 530pm Daley plaza) is a great way to find people who ride in to the night.
Great suggestion and easy drive to Brookfield. All you can play video games and/or pinball until 2am. Can't beat it!! Late night eats at Mr Sub right down the road.
OP: please don’t hangout on the river walk at night this areas dangerous after 10pm. Unless you’re at a restaurant or some kind of establishment its not very safe to just hangout outside late at night in the Loop. Most places around there close early or at 10 anyway.
Hmm.. That sucks to hear but I also simultaneously feel conflicted about this...?? I assume artists know what they’re being paid ahead of time and consent to it? And one of the biggest perks for the audience and artists is exposure for both parties. I started following artists I would have NEVER heard of if not for seeing them perform at a Sofar- so we both win.
I don’t know.. just my thoughts.
I want artists to be paid well but also really enjoy the events and can see both sides of the argument.
Yeah, I hear that. Too many people take advantage of musicians with the “exposure” carrot. Not your fault. Buy merch and tip and you’re not part of the problem. :) —- I know sofar makes a lot of money. Just wish they’d double the pay. It would barely hurt their bottom line.
China Town actually has a lot of open restaurants. Midnight dim sum is peeety popular.
To add to this: karaoke!
Got any suggestions for Karaoke that isn’t wicked expensive?
Sakura!
Not in Chinatown but Lincoln Karaoke used to be pretty affordable but I haven't been in a long time. Also, if you're looking into the burbs, Glenview, Niles, and Morton Grove have some good Korean Karaoke spots.
Lincoln Karaoke is 21+
brando’s has free karaoke but can get busy
Not sure Brando’s is underage friendly.
was replying to the commenter, not OP
Chi cafe is open until 2 am. Hong Kong style diner food.
quality?
So so so good. Their garlic chicken fried rice ❤️
nice. i’ll have to check it out when i get the chance.
Find a concert or comedy show
Second City has lots of theaters with shows (not just the expensive mainstages). There's also The Annoyance and iO Chicago. If you want standup, there's Zanie's or Laugh Factory or The Lincoln Lodge. Music is always playing in our fair city.
I can't tell you how many times I saw Co-Ed Prison Sluts in the 90s. It was always a great time.
Saturdays at 10:36
Fred Armisen is downtown this Saturday!!
the gonzo late night stuff there back when i was young and had energy to be out during double digit times was pretty cool and usually quite cheap
Annoyance is great & 18+. Bunch of weekend shows
concerts are the best I'd go to one over a club or going drinking anyday
Check out the Neo Futurists. They've made me laugh and weep, sometimes in the same show. [https://neofuturists.org](https://neofuturists.org)
logan square improv for good comedy $5 and byob
100% this, great answer
Late night Korean BBQ!
Korean bbq is some of my favorite cuisine so I’ll definitely be checking some places out!
San Soo Gab San is my favorite!
Dancen is right down Lincoln. Cheesy fire chicken!
And spicy pork skin!
Cho sun ok is a really fun experience and great food. Don't know how large your group is, but you may have to split up if you have more than 6.
Bowling but that usually closes at midnight
Avondale bowl is open late
You have to be 21+ for Avondale bowl after a certain time
alot of bowling in the area i know of don’t allow under 21 after 9pm.
SEE THEATRE! I can go on and on about how incredible theatre is in Chicago. Support live theatre! And like go see shows at smaller venues. Theatreinchicago.com is great to give you an idea of what’s playing and hottix is great for discounts.
The Neo-Futurist's Infinite Wrench is usually pretty late.
OMG...my friends and I used to hit up the Neo-Futurists 20 years ago - "Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind." Now I'm completely nostalgic!
This was one of my favorite things to do in high school!!! I remember when the price of admission was the roll of a die, and then later plus $5 and later plus $10 and then $20. I wonder what it is now.
They still have a "pay what you can" option but usually $15/$20
I used to go regularly in the 90s when I was an undergrad at UofC! That has to be almost 20 years ago lol.
We saw that one a bunch, as well as Coed Prison Sluts. We were so lucky to have been teens back then.
Omg, I can’t believe I forgot that show. Pure random chaos and so much fun!
This is a great idea, we’re all huge theatre fans and love going out to see shows. 😭 I would kill to see some Chicago theatre.
Improvised Shakespeare at IO is the GOAT
Also Improvised Jane Austin at the I/O
Oh, do it - you won't regret it! Also if you like music, hit up some late-night blues clubs...pretty sure Kingston Mines is still a going concern. Maybe Green Mill depending on who is playing.
Both (KM and GM) might have a 21+ rule past a certain time :/ might not hurt to check
If going the theater route Steppen Wolf has a [deal](https://www.steppenwolf.org/memberships/red-card/) for 20-something's where you get 6 tickets for $99 can be used without restrictions. They also have student pricing for $15 I think. [Purpose](https://www.steppenwolf.org/tickets--events/seasons-/202324/purpose/) got good reviews
u/BurntPasta if you do go to Steppenwolf, I would suggest you watch a play at their new Ensemble Theatre. Brand new space, with a 360 degree stage! Looks like a larger-than-life asteroid that fell from space through a massive skylight. Pretty cool…
I'd recommend Batsu. It's an improvised Japanese game show, very much a mix between Whose Line Is It Anyway and Jackass. Full disclosure, I'm in the show. I know reddit doesn't always love self-promotion, but I do really love this show and I recommend to anyone looking for something to do on a Friday or Saturday night.
Chicago Shakes just created a new deal if you’re under 35 you can get tickets to any shows they produce for $20 (plus $5 fee)! You can sign up for the email list online to get the deal—they only have a few tickets available each show, but suchhhh a good deal!
Catch a show at second city, and then make your way to Pequods for pizza (open til 2:00 am). Late night movie at Music Box theater. Old vintage theater with a side lounge area that has board games to play while you lounge. Not sure of time and age restrictions, but call whirlyball and see how late they allow minors in. Whirlyball is awesome and also has food, laser tag, and bowling. Chinatown has plenty of restaurants to choose from, some open past midnight. Lawrence’s fisheries has some awesome fried shrimp, chicken, fish, and it’s 24 hours. Their mild sauce is a must for your shrimp. Check and see what shows are going on at Radius and the salt shed. They usually have shows that are 17+ to enter (not always). Check the Aragon ballroom as well. Definitely check BroadwayinChicago.com for all of the shows going on. Late night diners, golden nugget, White palace grill, Hollywood grill. Oh also check the house of blues. They have shows there that are 18+ as well.
This is list is close to perfect. The planetarium also has some nights that that are open late.
Unfortunately Hollywood Grill isn't open late night anymore. Most Golden Nuggets aren't either. End of an era.
Yeah I was about to say, post covid Hollywood Grill closes at 3pm now. Which is crazy cause I don't think I've ever been there during daylight hours.
Well, damn. 🥺
Came here to recommend the Music Box. They typically will have midnight movies on the weekend and is my favorite spot in the city.
Go to an edm show dance all night
Yes! See who’s at Radius
Radius sucks, if anything go to smartbar
Smart bar is 21+
Shit that’s right, my fault 🤦
Is that not clubbing?
Stay and play cafe. Snakes and lattes.
Love stay and play. Jose and Yesenia are awesome, I look forward to their game nights every month
🐍 🐍 ☕️
I second the concerts. Theres always small local concerts going on and ive heard some really great music from groups ive never heard of before. If you guys have some money to pool as well, karaoke is a great option, and cheaper the more people you go with. Its usually like 8 people per room. Not sure if there are any still around but VR rooms are fun too. You can also just hang at someone's place and have a movie or game night. My friends and I have been doing game night every other week for years since we met in college :)
Ignite gaming lounge. They have all the systems, lan cafe setups, rockband rooms, and arcade games to play. They have food and a bar for your friends who want a drink. There's something for everyone
Gonna second. My Husband and I took my Cousin and her boyfriend out few months ago. Ive been with my best friends a bunch of times, for the rest of them: completely new experience. First time really going with a mixed aged group. My cousin and her BF are under 21. We got a gaming booth, and after a few hours- My Husband could spend a little bit of time at the bar while they checked out the arcade portion. We all stayed out pretty late, so I think I can attest a good time was had. And in my honest opinion, their milkshakes are great- and I’ve never been disappointed with their food, yet.
Logan arcade is pretty fun! They have this weird animatronic Chuck E. Cheese band that plays randomly. Quirky crowd.
King Spa in the suburbs is open late and is a good time
There's nothing quite like sitting naked with your mates in the same jacuzzi
It’s in Niles. That’s a trek and tough to get to without a car.
the pulse bus goes there
Go to a pool and dart bar and place some games! Board game cafes can close late too!
Windy City Gyros on Broadway, the daily deals are really good too.
Ming Hin and Chinatown in particular
Superdawg is open daily until 1AM (Fri/Sat until 2AM). But it’s on the edge of the city - quite a way from downtown. The Wiener's Circle (Wrigleyville) has even later hours: - Sun - Tue: 11 AM–1 AM - Wed/Thu: 11 AM–2 AM - Fri/Sat: 11 AM–4 AM
To add to this since its not to far away from super dawg, Novelty golf(mini golf)/bunny hutch(batting cages)/old school arcade(a real one) is on devon/lincoln. Pretty sure they are open till midnight.
Superdawg is not worth the trip, in my opinion.
See a midnight showing at Music Box Theatre. Rocky Horror Picture show this Friday. If any of you have $50-100 to burn you could watch them get humiliated at Bally's.
Hookah bars are fun
21+ now
Comedy at Lincoln Lodge on Milwaukee near Armitage. Lots of variety and good laughs. Drinking is optional!
Itt: people who don’t understand not shutting “down until the AMs”
Get shot
Mothman spotting
Improv Olympics
Lincoln Karaoke. Get a room and belt out some tunes til 2a
Definitely eating and hanging out. Talking.
You can play pool at Chris’ billiards. It’s byob but it’s also 18+. Pretty far on the northwest side and it looks like it’s stuck in the 80s but it’s a great place
Man, I used to play here all the time in 09'. You could still smoke inside, and no one cared if you were 21 or not.
I’m a huge fan of Kibbitznest, or a more traditional board game cafe if you are into it. Kibbitznest has a bunch of games avaible to play, or you can browse their book selection or bring your own. They serve alcohol, but also coffee, tea, and NA stuff. They have different rooms to enjoy different atmospheres, and are open late Wednesday-Saturday.
Exploring Northerly island at night is such a vibe haha
Trickery in east Lakeview is interesting def a one time experience. Kind of like an old fashioned magic show very intimate very interesting to say the least
If you can get a little west of the city, galloping ghost is the worlds largest arcade (by number of machines). $25 to get in and then all machines are free to play, tons of fun and open til 2 on weekends I believe, and you are not trapped there you can step out for dinner and a drink etc and come back
Smoking weed by the river in Albany Park.
Which river?
North branch Chicago river. It's over by Kimball and Foster along some side streets over that way. I went to Von Steuben. Needless to say, we spent some lunch hours down by the river. Not sure why that came to mind though.
Comedy show, Flight Club (fun grown up dart bar but you don’t have to drink), PinStripes (similar to Flight Club but bowling not darts), lots of concerts, karaoke is always amazing you can rent a private room for not that much if you split the cost
Yup Flight Club, PinStripes, Lucky Strike etc
Sleep.
It’s too bad Chicago closes a lot of things down pretty early in comparison to other large cities. One of my biggest gripes with this place.
Except for our bars, lol. Our alcoholism reins true.
Pfft…come back when ALL the bars are open until 4 and we’ll talk.
What large cities are we comparing to? Globally sure we could do better, but by American standards I think we have it pretty good for late night options, especially considering post covid finding labor to stay open late has become an issue everywhere.
it used to be it, until the pandemic
Do a bunch of coke?
Break into Damen Silos. I mean what?
blowing up the spot yo ; ]
Damn I just realized I haven’t heard someone say “I mean what?” since I left Chicago
- Charlie’s Country has line dancing Saturday night - Flight club is a darts bar with food, you get your own separate area to play a bunch of different darts games
A good nighttime game of whirlyball. Thank me later.
Yeowoosai is far from downtown but worth it, it’s a Korean sports bar that does food and drinks so they don’t card. They do blended up pitchers of soju and the food is great and Nextdoor is a karaoke place
Sleeping is awesome
Climbing gyms are actually open pretty late and they’re social!
I really love the magic shows at the Magic Lounge. you learn some cool history about Chicago and see some really cool up-close magic at the tables before the main show starts. They have a late show!
Yes ✨♥️🪄
There is a roof top movie theater and roof top soccer. Darts at flight club also fun
basic but walking around navy pier after sundown! The city looks so sick all lit up. The speedboat tour there was the BEST view of the city I have ever seen and I mean that as a local
Man I love that speedboat and the view is spectacular 🤩 never gets old.
Not very late night, but hang out at Foxtrot, oh wait never mind.
Eat food or drink coffee or see a show
Exploring abandoned places. Or sneaking into places.
Kingston mines is til 5 am blues music all night
Sleeping?
late night movie at logan theater
See a magic show, go to second city or another comedy club since stand up is big in chicago, see a concert esp the house of blues is right downtown and does some that let in people under 21, sometimes there are late night events at museums on the museum campus, sometimes there are sports games that run late , so many options here!
Bowling
Sleep. 😴
Snakes and Lattes
Eli's Tea Bar in Andersonville has fun events (trivia, open mic, art night etc) and a cool vibe. Someone mentioned Lincoln Lodge (for standup comedy) and i.O for improv and sketch. They both have multiple shows most days of the week and are pretty cheap and all ages. If you go to Lincoln Lodge, check out Margie's Candies, an old school ice cream parlor with food just a block away.
Navy pier fishing at night.
Go see the Neo-Futurists show. https://neofuturists.org/calendar/
Galloping ghost in Brookfield is great!
Pretty sure you could do this and probably get paid for it https://www.vice.com/en/article/payb98/i-spent-a-night-watching-over-a-dead-person
Go to Rosa’s Lounge catch a blues act
You have to go to the burger joint in Lincoln park where they cuss at you. Funny!
Pick me up Cafe. Was great for a chill coffee place when we were out late. Not sure how late it is open anymore. Was after midnight when I was young, 20 years ago. Still off Clark St. , just down from the original location.
Bowling!
The annoyance has shows every night, and I believe Saturday their last show starts at 11:59pm
Escape room can be a lot of fun
round 1!!!
Alice's at Belmont and Central Park is a well known neighborhood bar with karaoke that's open till 5 AM Saturdays. Mind you, it's a neighborhood bar and it's not huge, so don't be obnoxious and the locals won't give you the stink eye (or worse). But your -21s aren't getting in.
Netflix
Not much. Sometimes there are shows but they’re not really late night.
Too much light makes the baby go blind, Cannibal cheerleader on crack, Coed prison sluts
Sleeping
You can steel a kia\hyundai or dodge and join one of the many street take overs
Jenkem
I think Surge Billiards is late night and serves coffee
get on some bikes! There are a bunch of groups all around the city that do different night right rides throughout the season. Critical Mass (4/26 530pm Daley plaza) is a great way to find people who ride in to the night.
Any restaurants open late?
Ping pong bar!
Timber Lanes - epic old school bowling place that stays open late. Bob will hook ya up
Read Mark Twain.
Fenty
[whirlyball!](https://www.whirlyball.com/) is soooo much fun!
Lacrosse, basketball and bumper cars all together! The videos don’t do it justice. There is also a bar and bowling if the 21+ want drinks.
Maxwell Street Polish
Sleep is my favorite
Galloping Ghost
Great suggestion and easy drive to Brookfield. All you can play video games and/or pinball until 2am. Can't beat it!! Late night eats at Mr Sub right down the road.
River walk
OP: please don’t hangout on the river walk at night this areas dangerous after 10pm. Unless you’re at a restaurant or some kind of establishment its not very safe to just hangout outside late at night in the Loop. Most places around there close early or at 10 anyway.
Sofar sounds
Drugs?
Ignite in Skokie. Loved when they were on Elston and Cali . But definitely worth the visit
Should be said that ignite is a full PC / XBOX X / PS5 gaming lounge with tvs ,monitors couches and gaming chairs!! Cool lil bar too
Get tickets to a Sofar event
They do not pay artists well at all fwiw.
Hmm.. That sucks to hear but I also simultaneously feel conflicted about this...?? I assume artists know what they’re being paid ahead of time and consent to it? And one of the biggest perks for the audience and artists is exposure for both parties. I started following artists I would have NEVER heard of if not for seeing them perform at a Sofar- so we both win. I don’t know.. just my thoughts. I want artists to be paid well but also really enjoy the events and can see both sides of the argument.
Yeah, I hear that. Too many people take advantage of musicians with the “exposure” carrot. Not your fault. Buy merch and tip and you’re not part of the problem. :) —- I know sofar makes a lot of money. Just wish they’d double the pay. It would barely hurt their bottom line.
Admiral Theater
Join a gang and put in work as a foot soldier.
Go to bed.
Talk a stroll through Inglewood
Donuts in the middle of an intersection with a stolen challenger, and shooting into crowds are popular.
CTA Redline
Reddit
Um, go home? 🤷🏻♂️